Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman preview

Daniel Smith breaks down Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman

BNN writer Daniel Smith previews the 'Pac-Man' vs 'One Time' WBA 'Super' world welterweight title fight

Ahead of his world title clash with Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, July 20, WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman (20-0) paid adulation to his opponent's fierce warmongering prowess within the squared circle, stating that 'Pac-Man' is certainly a credible 'fighter' and a man he possesses a vast amount of respect for.

However, during in the same breath the acknowledgement and compliment were given, the Florida man also stated that in no way whatsoever can the WBO regular champion's skills and capabilities be made comparable to that of his own.

With ferocious confidence, Thurman predicts that he carries enough clout and ring I.Q to unthread his man in devastating fashion, either taking care of business in a one-sided points affair or to simply just chin the tough Filipino into retirement.

So, let's take a look at what skills and artillery both men bring to the fight:

Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao is a formidable force who's capable to let rip with a machine-gunning attack of punches at any period in a fight. Despite being an aging champion, Manny is an extremely dangerous fighter for anyone within the 147lb weight class - regardless of miles on the clock, Pac-Man could still cause an upset and derail Thurman's unification ambitions.

The former five weight division Lineal champion has carved out a career from feeding off champions, leathering and knocking fellas spark out with stiff, sharp shots, generating thirty-nine KO's from sixty-one victories. However, Manny did not exactly dismantle Adrien Broner in March this year - a comfortable enough victory was claimed by the Filipino, but in reality, Broner was completely gun-shy and extremely defensive all the way through their twelve rounder.

While it's evident that Pacquiao isn't the ruthless breed of fighter he was, as long as his guard is up, his feet are moving and he's switched on, Manny Pac will remain a very real threat to Keith Thurman when the pair collide in two weeks time.

Keith Thurman

Thurman is a powerful, brutal and vicious punching technician that will be licking his lips at the prospect demolishing an established boxing legend in complete and utter bloody, emphatic style.

Undefeated, with twenty-two knockouts from twenty-nine outings since debuting at the, A La Carte Event Pavillion, Tampa, back in 2007 where he deployed a crunching body shot that avalanched Kensky Rodney in the opening round. Thereafter, it was evident Thurman was an astute and heavy-handed boxer.

Over the course of his career, the Clearwater fighter has further progressed, developed and enhanced his skills, utilising his jab and neat footwork while selecting shots with more tact and sophistication rather than solely relying on his middleweight punching force.

Since defeating Danny Garcia in 2016 to become unified welterweight champion, Thurman has been inactive due to hand and elbow problems, prompting the decision to vacate his WBC title. However, once rehabilitated, Thurman defended his WBA title against Josesito Lopez in January 2019; the champion being rocked mid-rounds but managed to re-align and grab the points decision.

Inactivity aside, entering into his fight with Pacquiao, Thurman is the younger man with all the physical fundamentals boding in his favour, as well as being the bookies' favourite.

A win over Pacquiao would further heighten the possibility of an exhilarating unification bout with Errol Spence JR and Terence Crawford - hopefully for early 2020.

Although Pacquiao is dangerous, venomous, and should never be underestimated, I believe Keith Thurman will take full advantage over Manny's style of lunging and hurling forward in order to attack, leaving himself vulnerable and susceptible to counter carnage.

If Thurman uses the fundamentals to his advantage, while exposing the chinks in his man's armour, I envision a stoppage or points victory for the WBA champion on July 20. But, nevertheless, a cracking fight will be on the cards.

An exciting array of undercard attractions will support a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas including once-beaten prospects Austin Dulay (13-1, 10 KOs) and Justin Pauldo (12-1, 6 KOs) battling in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Rest of the undercard revealed here: http://boxingnewsnow.co.uk/blogs/undercard-for-manny-pacquiao-vs-keith-thurman-revealed